Governor Okpebholo Honoured with Prestigious Leadership Award by AAU Alumni Association

 Education & Development

By: ANN

Ekpoma, Edo State – In a ceremony marked by pomp, praise, and deep admiration, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was yesterday conferred with a Leadership Award by the Ambrose Alli University Alumni Association (AAUAA) in recognition of his visionary leadership and transformative contributions to the university.

The award was presented during an event held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma campus. Receiving the award on behalf of the Governor was the Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) and representative of Esan West Local Government Area, Hon. Jonathan Aigbokhan, who was also among the honorees.

The occasion attracted dignitaries from across the academic, political, and alumni spectrum. In his remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Sunday Olowo Samuel, praised Governor Okpebholo’s “unparalleled commitment to the revival and advancement of Ambrose Alli University,” while the Chairman of the Alumni Association, Professor Austin Aghemelo, described the Governor as “a transformational leader whose policies have breathed new life into AAU.”

A Track Record of Impact

The Governor’s administration has undertaken a string of reforms and interventions that have restored AAU’s reputation and functionality as a leading public university in Nigeria.

Among the key achievements cited during the event were:

• Restoration of Accreditation to key departments, most notably the Department of Nursing.

• Massive Infrastructure Renewal across the campus.

• Introduction of Scholarship Schemes to support academically deserving, financially disadvantaged students.

• Increase in Monthly Subvention from N41 million to N500 million, significantly boosting the institution’s operational budget.

• Implementation of the New Minimum Wage for university staff.

• Reinstatement of Wrongfully Dismissed Staff, fostering morale and institutional stability.

• Strategic Reconstitution of the Governing Council, bringing renewed leadership to the university’s administration.

• Appointment of Competent Principal Officers to drive institutional efficiency.

• Installation of a 1.5MW Solar Power Plant, aimed at ensuring a 24/7 electricity supply and reducing operational costs.

The Governor’s education-focused agenda, the Alumni noted, has not only enhanced the physical and financial state of the university but also “restored confidence in its future as a centre of excellence.”

Academic Voice Applauds Alumni Engagement

Adding intellectual gravitas to the occasion was Professor Omeimen Ujuanbi, Director of Research, Publication and Development, and former AAUAA President, who delivered a keynote lecture titled “Beyond Graduation: Unlocking the Enduring Values of Alumni Associations for Individuals and Institutions.” His speech underscored the vital role of alumni networks in nation-building and institutional resilience.

Other Honourees Recognised

Also honoured at the ceremony were Mr. Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, and Mr. Henshaw Oligbe, Managing Director of the Edo State Transport Authority, both lauded for their exceptional service to Edo State’s development.

A Resounding Message of Hope

The Ambrose Alli University Alumni Association concluded the event with a vote of thanks, expressing profound appreciation for Governor Okpebholo’s unwavering dedication to education in Edo State.

“This award is a reflection of the governor’s deep-rooted belief in education as the foundation for sustainable development,” said Professor Aghemelo. “He has not just supported AAU; he has transformed it.”

As the applause echoed through the university hall, one thing was clear: Governor Monday Okpebholo’s legacy in educational development has been etched not only in stone but in the hearts of a grateful academic community.